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<title>KeyCommander - An open source hardware programmable LCD keypad - What is it</title>
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    <a href="index.html"><img src="top_image.jpg" width="950" height="200" alt="KeyCommander" border="0" /></a> 
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            <li><a href="index.html">Home</a></li>
            <li><a href="what.html"><u>What is it</u></a></li>
            <li><a href="why.html">Why use it</a></li>
            <li><a href="how.html">How does it work</a></li>
            <li><a href="who.html">Who makes it</a></li>
            <li><a href="where.html">Where to get it</a></li>
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                <li><a href="http://code.google.com/p/keycommander/">Design files</a></li>
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    	<img src="LCD_test_red.jpg" width="248" height="234" alt="LCD key test" />
        <h2>Status:</h2>
        (3 March 2011)
        <h3>Initial design</h3>
        <p>Please check back soon!</p>
        <br />
        <h2>In Progress:</h2>
        <menu>
            <li type="disc">Developing prototype PCB for further testing</li>
        </menu> 
        <br />
        <h2>Completed:</h2>
        <menu>
            <li type="disc">LCD backlight control</li>
            <li type="disc">LCD graphics control</li>
			<li type="disc">USB enumeration</li>
			<li type="disc">USB data transfer (IN/OUT)</li>
			<li type="disc">HID keyboard functionality</li>
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        <h1> KeyCommander - What is it</h1>
        <p>The KeyCommander is an open source hardware LCD keypad, designed to simplify 
        the use of software that uses many keyboard shortcuts.</p>
        
        <p>Physically it is a keypad that connects to the USB port of a computer,
        but each key contains a small backlit LCD screen instead of printed lettering.
        The LCD keys on the KeyCommander are individually programmable to display a
        black image (64x32 pixel resolution) over a coloured background (64 colours selectable).</p>
        
        <p>The KeyCommander appears to the computer as a standard USB keyboard, so no drivers are needed.
        In contrast to a standard keyboard however, the function of each key is fully programmable.
        Keys can be set either to a key or key combination such as:</p>
		 <menu>
            <li type="disc">shift key</li>
            <li type="disc">alt-tab</li>
			<li type="disc">ctrl-alt-shift-F1</li>
        </menu> 

        <p>Or a macro (with adjustable timing between keypresses) such as:</p>
		 <menu>
            <li type="disc">home shift-end delete</li>
            <li type="disc">&lt; a *space* h r e f = "</li>
			<li type="disc">G o t t a *space* g o *space* c y a ! *enter* alt-tab</li>
        </menu> 

        <p>This can be used to move commonly used shortcuts to the KeyCommander, or to reduce the 
        amount of typing and error rate if a particular phrase is typed often.</p>
        
        <p>Running the auto-switcher software on the computer allows the KeyCommander to automatically
        switch key layouts, including key function, graphics and backlighting, depending on the program 
        you are currently using.</p>
        <p>Profiles can also be switched manually, allowing the KeyCommander to be used without the 
        auto-switcher software. As all profiles are stored in onboard memory, this allows the 
        KeyCommander to be used on another computer (client, friend) instantly.</p>
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        <p>Copyright &copy; 2011 Daniel Watman. All rights reserved.</p>
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